Hi, I am a first-time car buyer, around 38 years old. I am planning to buy an automatic as I will mostly be driving in the city and occasionally travelling on highways. I need a good-performing and spacious sub-4m compact SUV with reasonable maintenance costs. I am a fan of torque converter or CVT gearboxes only, as they are easier on the pocket. My budget is around Rs 16 lakh. Since the Venue and Creta do not have torque converter options, I have left those out. I am confused between the Skoda Kylaq and the 3XO AX5L AT, as it comes with Level 2 ADAS features. Back seat comfort is good in the 3XO, and we are a family of five. Which one should I choose? Or should I wait for the Duster 2026?

Autocar India

•10w

Yes, the Mahindra XUV 3XO has ADAS features and is generally well-equipped, and yes, the petrol engines come with a torque converter automatic gearbox. It also has the most spacious cabin in the segment, which will be helpful for a family of five.

Do note, however, that its boot is not particularly large, the powerful 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine with the AT is not very fuel efficient, and the fully loaded petrol AT with ADAS will go past your budget of Rs 16 lakh.

The Skoda Kylaq may miss out on some features, and it is slightly less spacious in the cabin, but overall, it is a better car to drive, and it falls within your budget.

You could wait for the Renault Duster, but it is a few months away, there's likely to be a big rush at booking time, it's a segment above, so it may not fit in your budget, and it comes with a dual-clutch automatic, not a TC or CVT.

Explore cars mentioned

Mahindra

XUV 3XO

from ₹8.56 Lakh

Skoda

Kylaq

from ₹8.62 Lakh

Renault

Duster

from ₹12.22 Lakh

Pradeep Singh

•10w

I am driving 3XO AX5L AT from almost 2 months. I have already drove 7k km. Its funtastic car as per budget. Almost all features except seat ventilation. Engine is amazing. Better than Kylaq. Go for 3XO.

Siva

•10w

Thanks bro

Akshay Bhat

•10w

Creta/Seltos does have iVT gearbox. Its basically a CVT with different name.

More questions on similar cars

Revanth S A

•2d

I have decided to go ahead with the Mahindra XUV 3XO, but I am confused between two automatic variants - AX5L and REVX A. The AX5L offers features like a 360-degree camera, auto-dimming IRVM, and ADAS, while the REVX A comes with a panoramic sunroof and leatherette seats. The price difference is not significant, so I am trying to decide based on real-world usability. My parents (in their 50s and relatively new to driving) will occasionally use the car, while I will be the primary driver. I am unsure whether ADAS will be useful for them or feel intrusive. The 360-degree camera could help them, but I am not sure how much difference it will make in day-to-day use. Personally, I have been driving for a few years and am fairly confident, so I feel I may not use ADAS or the 360-degree camera much. Because of this, I am slightly inclined towards the REVX A, mainly for the panoramic sunroof and overall cabin feel. Given this usage, which variant would you recommend for better long-term value?

Autocar India

•9h

The 360 camera, auto-dimming inside mirror, and ADAS are driver-assist features that can certainly help tangibly. For your parents, the 360 camera would be a big help in tight parking, narrow lanes and when judging the corners of the car. The auto-dimming mirror is a nice touch and helps with sustained good visibility, and even if you won’t use ADAS every day, it’s a nice safety net on highway runs, and you can turn most alerts down or off if they feel too intrusive in city traffic.As for the panoramic sunroof and leatherette of the Mahindra XUV 3XO REVX A, they do make the cabin feel special, but there are also practical trade-offs. The sunroof adds heat in summer and needs some care over the years, and leatherette seats can get hot and clammy to sit on.

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Thomas Zachariah

•1d

I am a senior citizen, 69 years old, and 6'2" tall. My annual usage is around 6,000-7,000 km, mostly consisting of short trips with occasional long drives. I am currently using a Nissan Magnite Turbo CVT, but I am planning to replace it due to some issues. I am looking for an automatic car within a budget of ₹12-14 lakh (on-road), with a focus on driving comfort, good mileage, and safety. I have shortlisted the Maruti Suzuki Fronx, Maruti Suzuki Brezza, and Mahindra XUV 3XO.

Autocar India

•6h

Given your usage, the Maruti Brezza ZXi AT fits your brief best within Rs 12-14 lakh on-road. Pick it because the cabin is roomy and the seat is set high, so getting in and out is easy, and there is good headroom for your height. Its 6-speed automatic is the smooth, torque converter type (not an AMT or DCT). Coming from your Nissan Magnite’s CVT, this will feel natural and calm in stop-and-go traffic and on slopes. Ride comfort is good over broken roads, and its simple 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine allows a vehicle of its size to be unstressed, fuel efficient and sufficiently powerful. Do note: The Brezza automatic is tuned for easy driving, not fast pick-up, so it feels relaxed rather than quick, and it hasn't been crash tested by any NCAP agency, though it has all the requisite safety features. The Mahindra XUV 3XO is also a decent option, though it's not quite as spacious as the Brezza, and in your budget, you'll have to settle for a mid-spec automatic model. Most of all, though, it is nowhere near as fuel-efficient. The Maruti Suzuki Fronx, while also good, won't feel like as much of an upgrade from your Magnite as the others, especially in terms of size and space. Overall, for comfort, smooth driving and sensible running costs in your budget, the Brezza ZXi AT is still your best bet.

Sam

Could you please help me decide between the Tata Sierra Pure+ variant and the Mahindra XUV 3XO RevX A as my first car? My priorities are comfort, safety, a good power-to-weight ratio, and strong road presence.

Autocar India

•1d

As a first car, from your two shortlisted choices, we recommend the Mahindra XUV 3XO RevX A. While the larger Tata Sierra is certainly better on road presence, in every other aspect, the XUV is a better fit. Its more compact dimensions make it much easier to drive, which is a worthwhile consideration for your first car. It is very comfortable, including in the rear seat and being a 5-star Bharat NCAP rated car, safety is not an issue. It has a 131hp turbo-petrol engine that is the most powerful in any compact SUV. Overall, this Mahindra car has an excellent power-to-weight ratio and is fun to drive too. Moreover, its price is around Rs 3 lakh less than the Sierra Pure+. The Tata Sierra Pure+ comes with only the naturally aspirated 1.5-litre petrol engine. While it's smooth enough, thanks to the heavy Sierra kerb weight, its power-to-weight ratio is nowhere as good as the XUV 3XO's. Also, the Pure+ variant of the Sierra, aside from being more expensive, won't be as well equipped as the 3XO RevX A. Overall, for your needs, the Mahindra is the better be

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Tata Sierra

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